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TOPCaitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu Headline 3-Point Contest at 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend
Caitlin Clark will make her WNBA All-Star Weekend debut by participating in the 3-Point Contest on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. She will compete against notable players including Kelsey Plum, Sonia Citron, former contest winner Sabrina Ionescu, and defending champion Allisha Gray for the three-point title. Defending champion Allisha Gray will also participate in the Skills Challenge on the same night. She will face Natasha Cloud, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Erica Wheeler, and Courtney Williams in this event, which features a timed obstacle course testing dribbling, passing, and various shooting skills. Both the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, preceding Saturday's All-Star Game. The Skills Challenge field includes three of the league's top four assists leaders: Williams, Diggins-Smith, and Cloud. Wheeler returns after missing last year's event due to flight issues. Gray enters the 3-Point Contest ranked fourth in the WNBA for three-pointers made this season, behind only Rhyne Howard, Kayla McBride, and fellow competitor Plum. She made history last year by becoming the first Atlanta Dream player to win an All-Star event and the first WNBA player to win both the 3-point contest and skills challenge. Gray won the 2024 3-point contest with a score of 22-for-40. To defend her 3-point title, Gray must outperform Sabrina Ionescu, who set a single-round record by going 37-for-40 to win the 2023 contest. Ionescu, who skipped the 2024 event while preparing for the Olympics, is shooting 30.9% from three-point range this season for the New York Liberty. Caitlin Clark, who set a WNBA rookie record with 122 three-pointers last season, declined to participate in the 2024 competition, citing a need for a break after transitioning directly from college. The reigning Rookie of the Year hopes her participation in the 2025 contest will help her bounce back from an injury-plagued second season where she is shooting just 28.9% from behind the arc. Sonia Citron enters the 3-Point Contest as the lone rookie participant. She has made 36.3% of her three-point attempts while averaging 6.2 attempts per game as a starter for the Washington Mystics.
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TOPChicago Sky Star Angel Reese Is a Growing Problem for WNBA Opponents
Angel Reese has significantly evolved during the 2025 WNBA season, dispelling early critiques that labeled her solely as an interior presence with tunnel vision. She is becoming a multifaceted matchup nightmare, maintaining her elite rebounding trajectory while developing into a floor spacer and point forward. Reese is currently on a streak of nine consecutive double-doubles, averaging 18.1 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field. A key area of improvement is her playmaking, specifically overcoming previous tunnel vision. Her assists are up by nearly 2.0 per game, and her assist-to-turnover ratio has risen above 1.4. This growth stems from her effectiveness in the short roll and elbow pinch post, where the Chicago Sky increasingly run horns and chin actions through her. Reese demonstrates improved decision-making, making accurate passes to cutters, threading bounce passes through help defense, and delivering skip passes to weak-side shooters. Her assist percentage has more than doubled from her rookie year (21.2% vs. 9.2%), and her overall efficiency has increased, including a significant jump in true shooting percentage. Reese plays a crucial role in Coach Tyler Marsh's motion-heavy offense, often initiating plays as the passing hub in high-horns sets. She reads the defense, makes decisive passes (like hammer passes to corners), and triggers the team's "Flow" offense, showcasing an evolving ability to orchestrate plays reminiscent of Bam Adebayo with high-low reads, dump-offs, and dart passes. Shooting improvements are also evident. While her rookie season featured struggles (39.1% FG, low confidence beyond 10 feet), her field-goal percentage has risen over four points to 43.3% in 2025, and she's near 80% from the free-throw line. Crucially, her perimeter activity and confidence have grown: her three-point attempt rate has nearly tripled since college (now over 8% of her FGA), though she shoots 22.0% on low volume (1.5 attempts per game). This increased willingness to shoot, especially in trailing pick-and-pop actions, forces opposing bigs into difficult defensive choices.
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Hawks may gift Heat perfect plan B superstar trade target after all
The Miami Heat, having failed to acquire a star player this offseason, are still aiming for a significant future move, potentially by 2026. While long-shot targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic exist, Trae Young emerges as an interesting "Plan B" trade option for the team. Recent reports indicate the Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young have not yet held "substantive talks" on a contract extension. Although an extension could still happen and would signal commitment, the current lack of discussions naturally creates uncertainty about Young's future with the Hawks. Despite the Hawks adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis this summer, suggesting efforts to build around Young, offering him the eligible four-year, $229 million supermax extension represents a much larger financial commitment than acquiring supporting players. Any hesitation from the Hawks could open the door for the Heat. If the Hawks show reluctance, the Heat could pursue Young as a running mate for Bam Adebayo (and possibly Tyler Herro). Landing a star in the near future for Miami is most likely to occur through such a scenario. While Young wouldn't be their first choice if Giannis or Doncic were available, he wouldn't be the worst alternative. Given the Heat's apparent unwillingness to take another "gap" year, they are expected to seek a move soon. Young fits as a logical secondary option. The Heat still lacks a true primary scorer and dynamic playmaker, a role Young could potentially fill. Although Young isn't considered a franchise-altering superstar, which might explain Atlanta's potential hesitation on a massive extension, the Heat could see value in adding him to their developing supporting cast if they believe he's worth the investment. As the Heat lines up options for a blockbuster move in the next year, Young is likely included in their hypothetical plans.
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Aces vs. Wings odds, tips and betting trends - 7/16/2025
The Las Vegas Aces (10-11), led by A'ja Wilson after her 34-point performance in a 104-102 win, will play on the road against the Dallas Wings (6-16) on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Vegas 34 and KFAA. In their previous game, the Aces secured a 104-102 home victory over the Golden State Valkyries. A'ja Wilson led the team with 34 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 75.0% shooting from the field, supported by Jackie Young who contributed 30 points, 6 assists, and 64.3% shooting. The Dallas Wings are coming off a 102-83 road loss to Indiana. Their top performers in that game were Paige Bueckers, who scored 21 points with 2 steals (60.0% FG, 2-4 from 3PT), and Li Yueru, who added 16 points on 72.7% shooting. The article encourages readers to prepare for this WNBA matchup.
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Yang Hansen’s Nikola Jokic Statement Goes Viral
The Portland Trail Blazers surprised the NBA by selecting 7-foot-3 prospect Yang Hansen significantly higher than most experts predicted during the draft, a move driven by his perceived star potential. Hansen made a notable NBA Summer League debut with the Trail Blazers, recording 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. While his size is an advantage, his diverse skill set was particularly highlighted. His performance, especially his playmaking ability for a player of his stature, drew immediate comparisons to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. Analysts praised his exceptionally high basketball IQ, crafty footwork, and all-around skills that impact multiple statistical categories. Following his debut, Hansen generated viral attention with his humorous response when asked what he would ask Jokic when facing him: "Picture? Signature, please?" This interaction further endeared him to fans. Hansen has quickly become a fan favorite at the Summer League, with many noting that modeling his game after the three-time MVP Jokic seems like an ideal path given his size and developing skills.
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'The next Jokic', Portland Trail Blazers fans go crazy over Yang Hansen’s Summer League performance
Portland Trail Blazers fans witnessed the debut of their first-round draft pick, Yang Hansen, at the NBA Summer League and immediately drew comparisons to Nikola Jokic due to his playmaking skills as a 7'1" center. Selected 16th overall in the draft—a surprise as he was considered a reach at that position—Hansen impressed with 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks in his opening game, sparking excitement among supporters who are already calling him the future face of the franchise. The Chinese center entered the draft with significant hype from his home country, and his performance amplified comparisons to Jokic, fueled by his work ethic and court vision as a big man. Fans took to social media to question if he should have been the top pick over Cooper Flagg, with one stating that watching Hansen play made them doubt Flagg's selection, while another argued Hansen might have the highest upside in his draft class. After just one Summer League appearance, Blazers fans escalated their enthusiasm, declaring Hansen the cornerstone of the team and ranking him among franchise legends like Damian Lillard and Clyde Drexler. The Jokic parallels intensified, with one fan noting Hansen's physicality as a sign of potential stardom and another labeling him the "next Jokic" after a single assist, reinforced by a Nuggets source referring to him as the "Chinese Jokic."
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The $150M decision that could reveal Heat’s Giannis plans
Tyler Herro becomes eligible for a three-year, $149.7 million extension starting October 1st. However, if the Miami Heat are seriously pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they should avoid extending Herro. Signing the extension would impose a six-month trade restriction on Herro, meaning he couldn't be traded until after the February 2026 deadline. The Heat's hesitation isn't solely about the contract cost but centers on preserving trade flexibility. While Miami could theoretically build a trade package for Giannis without Herro, it doesn't make strategic sense to remove such a significant potential asset from their options, especially without knowing precisely what the Milwaukee Bucks would prioritize in any trade talks. Although recent Bucks moves (waiving/stretching Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner) are interpreted by many as a sign Giannis won't request a trade soon, his own recent comments about his future were noncommittal. As long as the possibility of a trade request exists, teams like the Heat, who previously saved assets for a Giannis pursuit instead of chasing Kevin Durant, will remain cautious about committing long-term to other players. Extending Herro directly conflicts with the Heat's strategy of being ready to acquire Giannis. While a Giannis trade might occur in an offseason, the trend of stars being moved midseason (like Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, De’Aaron Fox, James Harden, and Kevin Durant) means Miami must maintain maximum flexibility. Herro is likely a crucial piece for any potential Bucks trade. Milwaukee lacks control of its own first-round picks until 2031 and has no incentive to tank completely without Giannis. Herro offers a valuable "dual-timeline" asset: he helps the Bucks stay competitive immediately at age 25 (turning 26 in January) and holds significant trade value for the future due to his youth. This contrasts sharply with older players like Andrew Wiggins (31) or Norman Powell (32). Therefore, while Miami could build a Giannis package without Herro, their strongest possible offer almost certainly includes him. Consequently, unless Giannis definitively commits to staying in Milwaukee before October 1st, the Heat should pass on offering Herro a new contract extension to keep their best trade asset available.
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What are Realistic Expectations for Joel Embiid in the 2025-26 Sixers Season?
The Philadelphia 76ers enter the upcoming NBA season as a major uncertainty after a disastrous 24-58 record last year. Despite a wide-open Eastern Conference and promising flashes from young players like V.J. Edgecombe and Jared McCain, the team's outlook hinges entirely on the health and performance of Joel Embiid. Historically, the Sixers have been significantly better when Embiid plays (287-146 record, 66.3% win percentage) than when he is absent (104-163, 39.0% win percentage). However, last season broke this pattern: even when Embiid played, the team struggled, going just 8-11 in his 19 games and 7-8 in the 15 games he shared the court with Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. Embiid was ineffective defensively and failed to elevate the team as usual. Embiid missed the season's first nine games due to knee issues and a suspension for shoving a reporter. He played a career-low 19 games before being shut down for the season in February. This offseason, he underwent his second arthroscopic knee surgery in 14 months. While the front office expresses vague optimism about his return to form, even Embiid's own readiness level is uncertain. Despite the development of a youthful core, the Sixers are heavily invested in Embiid. He is under contract for $55.2 million next season, followed by a three-year, $187.6 million extension with a player option for 2028-29. As the 31-year-old enters his 10th season, the article highlights the concerning track record for big men over 30 with knee or foot issues, setting up significant uncertainty about the team's best and worst-case scenarios.
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Transfer Tracker: What are the biggest summer moves in EuroLeague Women?
A club has signed Julie Wojta, Becky Massey, Marie Guelich, Camille Droguet, and Aminata Diagne. Another club has signed Cecilia Zandalsini, Maria Conde, Jessica Shepard, Marieme Badiane, and Anete Steinberga. A third club signed Yueru Li while extending contracts for Emma Messeeman, Tilbe Senyurek, Sevgi Uzun, Olcay Cakir, Alperi Onar, and Julie Allemand. A fourth club signed Liz Dixon, Tenin Magassa, Isabelle Strunc, Vaciana Gomis, Maia Hirsch, and Lucile Jerome, while extending contracts for Coline Franchelin, Tiffany Clarke, and Noemie Brochant. A fifth club signed Ciera Johnson, Daniel Raber, Nausia Woolfolk, Ivana Jakubcova, Maria Katsoumouri, and Panorea Ntala, while extending contracts for Eleanna Christinaki, Evgenia Kollatou, and Angeliki Nikolopoulou. A sixth club signed Nika Muhl while extending contracts for Zala Friskovec, Jelena Brooks, Zsuzsanna Sitku, Szofi Sinka-Palinkas, Jovana Jevtovic, Sara Laczko, Klaudia Papp, Zora Rokob, and Vivien Borondy. A seventh club extended the contract of Ainhoa Lopez. An eighth club signed Maria Araujo, Tanaya Atkinson, and Marija Lekovic while extending contracts for Kayla Alexander, Awa Fam, Elena Buenavida, Alina Iagupova, and Raquel Carrera.
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Arkansas Razorbacks add team from NCAA Tournament last year to schedule
Arkansas will host Mount St. Mary's on December 16, 2025, at Bud Walton Arena. This matchup, first reported by Rocco Miller and confirmed by school officials, adds the 2025 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament champions to the Razorbacks' non-conference schedule. The Razorbacks are assembling a potentially nationally challenging non-league schedule. It includes games against Duke, Texas Tech, Houston, Louisville, Baylor, and Michigan State. Mount St. Mary's finished the 2024-25 season with a 23-13 record (12-8 in the MAAC), earning an automatic NCAA Tournament berth as a No. 6 seed in their conference tournament. They won their First Four game against American University (83-72) before losing to Duke (93-49) in the round of 64. The non-conference schedule begins with Arkansas facing Duke at a neutral site (United Center, Chicago) on November 27. The Razorbacks will also play Texas Tech and Houston at neutral venues in Dallas and Brooklyn respectively, and host Louisville in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Dates for home-and-home series against Baylor and Michigan State are still being finalized. Head coach John Calipari, hired in April, is intentionally elevating the early-season competition to prepare the team for SEC play. He stated his scheduling philosophy is about exposing players to "different styles, different sizes" to force adjustments and evaluate the team's progress. Calipari recently held his first practice open to the media and mentioned the possibility of another media viewing in September now that the intense summer conditioning phase is complete and the focus shifts more to basketball.
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ESPN analyst says there's a star more deserving than Caitlin Clark to be face of the WNBA
The article examines the debate around who should be considered the face of the WNBA. While established legends like Candace Parker, Sue Bird, and Diana Taurasi are often associated with the league, the focus shifts to current players, with Caitlin Clark being a prominent candidate. Caitlin Clark, a superstar in college where she became the NCAA DI all-time leading scorer, entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in 2024. Her legendary college career made her a household name. As a rookie, she broke records and won Rookie of the Year. Now in her second season, despite injury absences, she continues to perform at an All-Star level, leading the Fever to a Commissioner's Cup championship and earning the role of All-Star captain. The article questions whether Clark's achievements, impressive as they are, are sufficient to declare her the face of the league so early in her career, noting this is only her second season and many believe she has more to prove. ESPN analyst Andraya Carter offers her perspective, arguing that longevity is crucial for someone to be the face of the league. She draws a parallel to college sports, where transient players are often overshadowed by long-tenured coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma as the recognizable faces. Carter clarifies that while Clark is clearly the most popular and exciting player currently, she implies the title "face of the WNBA" requires sustained presence and impact over a longer period.
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NBA Trade News: Golden State Warriors could be close to bagging $27 million Miami Heat star to support St
Raunak, a passionate WWE content writer, crafts engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life. His writing captures the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans and making every match and storyline unforgettable. Natasha Poonawalla made a powerful fashion statement by wearing a throwback iconic Dior dress. Seven impactful quotes by Malala Yousafzai are presented as motivation for students. A list of ten precious baby girl names is provided. Nine quotes are highlighted as reading material for winners to build discipline. Manasi Parekh showcased a blend of grace, glamour, and glow. Gardening tips are offered, outlining nine easy steps to create a lush indoor jungle. Bollywood actresses are noted for slaying in high heels. Eight timeless Charlie Chaplin quotes are shared to inspire and motivate students. Actresses and their love for pearls are featured. Nine animals with spiritual significance in India are listed.
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Thunder’s Chet Holmgren sends perfect one-liner after Jalen Williams’ extension
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured long-term contract extensions for their star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. Following Williams' newly announced five-year, $287 million max extension, the team has now committed over $750 million to retain this core group. Chet Holmgren reacted humorously to Williams' contract news on social media, quipping "Nah, dinner on u bud😂," referencing that Williams' deal is larger than his own recent max extension. This trio has rapidly transformed the Thunder into championship contenders, culminating in winning the franchise's first NBA title in Oklahoma City during the past season. Their development and chemistry over just three years proved highly successful. Williams earned his max extension through significant improvement, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in the regular season (69 appearances), earning All-NBA Third Team, All-Defensive Second Team, and an All-Star selection. He maintained strong playoff production (21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.4 steals), delivering key performances despite some struggles. With their championship core secured after consecutive Western Conference top-seed finishes, the Thunder are positioned for long-term dominance. While future roster adjustments are inevitable, they have young talent ready to step in, making them a continued major threat heading into next season as defending champions.
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Rockets are blessed by Suns' massive Devin Booker blunder
The news argues that Houston Rockets fans should view Devin Booker's new contract with the Phoenix Suns as a positive development because it harms the Suns, which indirectly benefits the Rockets who own the Suns' 2027 and 2029 draft picks. Booker's two-year extension makes him the highest-paid player in NBA history with an average annual value of $72.5 million, nearly double Rockets player Alperen Şengün's salary. The article questions Booker's value relative to this historic contract, pointing out his underwhelming 2024-25 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 0.4, which was lower than both Şengün's (4.4) and fellow Rocket Jalen Green's (0.9) BPM. It suggests Booker has never had a season justifying the richest contract ever, despite being a talented player. The piece speculates that the Suns' motivation for the deal is avoiding a long-term rebuild and maintaining competitiveness, as they don't expect to get their draft picks back from Houston anyway. However, it expresses doubt about the Suns' competitiveness, noting the potentially awkward Booker-Green backcourt pairing and reliance on young players like Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach, whose defensive potential may take years to materialize. Ultimately, the news asserts that Booker's status as the Suns' cornerstone shouldn't concern the Rockets. It argues that Booker, despite his talent, cannot single-handedly guarantee winning seasons or prevent the team from landing in the draft lottery, as evidenced by the Suns' performance last year even with Kevin Durant.
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Celtics Rumors: NBA Insider Provides Massive Update on Jaylen Brown Trade
The Boston Celtics have made significant offseason moves, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis primarily to reduce salary and avoid the second luxury tax apron. While losing Luke Kornet in free agency was a setback, the team also faces widespread trade inquiries about Jaylen Brown. These inquiries stem from Jayson Tatum's expected absence for most, if not all, of the upcoming season, leading other teams to speculate if the Celtics might rebuild around Tatum by trading Brown. However, Celtics President Brad Stevens has provided a major update, with reports indicating the team never seriously considered trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White. The Celtics highly value Brown's importance to their plans, despite his large contract. They recognize his versatility, specifically his ability to guard multiple positions, create his own shot, and create opportunities for teammates. The franchise desires to keep him long-term. With Tatum sidelined, Brown will become the team's primary offensive option. This situation presents a significant opportunity for him to showcase his abilities and further develop his game, particularly in playmaking and ball-handling responsibilities. The Celtics would only consider trading Brown if offered an overwhelming return, acknowledging that such a move would likely weaken the team in the short term. Brown finds reassurance in the organization's commitment to him and their recognition of his value both on and off the court. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season.
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Rockets star Kevin Durant discusses 50-40-90 seasons with LeBron James
Kevin Durant is recognized as one of basketball's greatest scorers and a member of the exclusive 50/40/90 club (shooting ≥50% FG, ≥40% 3PT, ≥90% FT in a season). He is one of only nine players to achieve this feat and one of just three to do it more than once, holding the record for the longest gap (ten years) between such seasons. Appearing on the "Mind the Game" podcast with LeBron James and Steve Nash (the NBA record holder with four 50/40/90 seasons), Durant discussed his membership in this club. He jokingly expressed feeling he missed achieving the feat three additional times. He recounted specific near-misses: one in Brooklyn where he needed to make several threes in the final game to reach 40% but went 1-8 while thinking about it too much, and another in Oklahoma City where his free-throw percentage finished around 87-88%. Durant specifically noted his dissatisfaction with his free-throw percentage being down in the 2024-25 season, emphasizing that shooting over 90% is important to him and being in the mid-80s was unacceptable. Nash also shared that he had two seasons where he narrowly missed adding to his record, citing a missed field goal in 2012-13 and a missed free throw in 2006-07 as the reasons. Both Durant and Nash agreed that they dwell more on the seasons where they narrowly missed achieving the 50/40/90 mark than on the seasons where they actually accomplished it.
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New York Knicks Make First Moves of Free Agency
The New York Knicks are exercising their $1.9 million club option on center Ariel Hukporti, retaining him for the upcoming season, while declining the $3.4 million option on veteran forward PJ Tucker. Additionally, the team will extend a qualifying offer to Kevin McCullar Jr., a fellow 2024 draftee. Hukporti, the final pick in last year's NBA Draft, provided solid depth as a backup center during injuries to key players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Precious Achiuwa, and Mitchell Robinson. He notably excelled in a November win over Brooklyn with seven points, four blocks, and three assists, and contributed to the Westchester Knicks' G League Winter Showcase title. However, his progress was halted by a torn meniscus suffered in his first career start during a February game against Philadelphia. McCullar, drafted two spots ahead of Hukporti, missed most of the season due to a lingering college injury. He appeared in four NBA games and averaged nearly 12 points, four assists, and four rebounds in 13 games with the Westchester Knicks. While a potential restructuring remains possible, the Knicks are moving on from Tucker for now. The 40-year-old champion played only three regular-season games but was praised for his locker-room presence and became a fan favorite for his sideline enthusiasm. Tucker has publicly stated he does not intend to retire.
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NBA Trade Rumors: Damian Lillard linked to join Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler after exit from Milwaukee Buc
The TOI Sports Desk performs multiple roles to deliver engaging sports content globally. Its core function involves running live blogs covering a wide range of sporting events, including cricket matches (both India and non-India), global events featuring Indian athletes (like the Chess World Cup or Badminton World Championships), and mega events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, and FIFA World Cups. Beyond live coverage, the desk produces comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary. It also creates stats-based articles offering in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. The desk actively tracks news wires for key stories and generates original content through exclusive player interviews in text and video formats. It files content originating from print editions and reporters. Furthermore, the TOI Sports Desk monitors viral stories and trending topics within the sports world, producing its own content on these subjects. Its overall mission is to deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content around the clock.
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VOTE: Who will lift the EuroCup Women title?
Eight teams remain in contention for the 2024-25 EuroCup Women championship as the Play-Offs are set to continue following the international break. Among the contenders are two former champions from France: LDLC ASVEL Feminin and Villeneuve d'Ascq LM. The competition has already featured some surprising results. Only one team can ultimately win the title, and the upcoming Quarter-Final matchups are expected to deliver significant entertainment value. Fans are invited to vote on the predicted champion.
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Suns gifted an absolute superstar target after Bucks stunning release
The Milwaukee Bucks have waived and stretched Damian Lillard's contract to facilitate signing Myles Turner in free agency, making the future Hall of Famer available. This presents an opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to acquire Lillard on a bargain contract as they urgently need a point guard and seek relief from salary cap constraints. Lillard, recovering from a torn Achilles, is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, meaning any signing would target the 2026-27 campaign. While there are concerns about the 34-year-old's recovery, the Suns view this as a potential miracle move to regain competitiveness following their playoff absence in 2025. Prior to his injury, Lillard delivered superstar-level performance. Suns owner Mat Ishbia's history of bold moves aligns with pursuing this low-cost upgrade at point guard. Phoenix's roster features abundant wings (Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Bradley Beal, Royce O’Neale, Ryan Dunn) and big men (Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach), but lacks a primary playmaker to orchestrate the offense. Signing Lillard to a minimum contract could yield elite shooting and playmaking, counterbalancing Beal's underperforming max contract. With limited assets after the Kevin Durant trade worsened their roster, Phoenix must aggressively pursue such opportunities. Relieving Beal's contract and rebuilding around Booker is essential, and adding Lillard as a cost-effective co-star represents their best hope for Western Conference contention in 2027. The Suns are urged to win the post-waivers bidding for Lillard, viewing this as a critical chance to rectify years of organizational mismanagement and revitalize the franchise.
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Isiah Pacheco’s Fantasy Profile: The End of the RB1 Tier
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is widely recognized for his intensely physical, "angriest runner" style in the NFL. While this is his hallmark, his demonstrated versatility in 2023 positions him as a potential top-10 fantasy running back soon. The key question for fantasy managers is whether to expect further growth from the Chiefs' lead back in 2024 or a repeat of his strong second season. Pacheco's current Average Draft Position (ADP) is 20th overall, making him the RB10. With minimal competition for touches in the Kansas City backfield, an RB1 season is a realistic outcome. His ADP has risen significantly from the late third round earlier in the draft process to the late second round, a price deemed reasonable though not a "must draft" value. He trails only Travis Etienne Jr. and Derrick Henry in RB ADP; while justifiable to take him over either, they are considered in the same tier. Pacheco offers more versatility than Henry and benefits from a superior offensive environment compared to Etienne. However, his scoring potential is lower than Henry's, and he is unlikely to match Etienne's target volume. For managers drafting elite receivers early in the first round, Pacheco presents a strong RB addition with an elevated floor and the potential for top-five production if circumstances align favorably. Although postseason performance doesn't count for fantasy, it provides valuable insight into player usage. During the Chiefs' Super Bowl run, Pacheco received a significant workload, averaging 20.3 touches per game and catching all his targets, indicating the team's high trust in him within their elite offense. Pacheco's ability to gain yards after contact (YAC) is a consistent strength, aided by the defensive focus on Patrick Mahomes creating running lanes. His development as a pass-catcher in 2023 is crucial, boosting confidence in his fantasy value despite the trend favoring receiving backs, as he operates within one of the NFL's best offenses at the peak of his abilities.
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Thursday Night Football Projections and Start/Sit Advice: Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, Isiah Pacheco, and Others
The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in Arrowhead Stadium for the first Thursday Night Football game of the season, a rematch of the previous season's AFC Championship Game won by the Chiefs 17-10. The article questions whether the game will be low-scoring again or if the offenses will perform better after offseason upgrades. The article uses sportsbook odds and projections to analyze fantasy football start/sit decisions. Lamar Jackson is highlighted as a strong QB1 start, particularly because he excels as an underdog. Since 2019, he has averaged 23.7 fantasy points per game in wins as an underdog, clearing 18.5 points in every such win. His performance in these upset wins is compared favorably to Patrick Mahomes as a passer, with similar passer ratings and yards per pass. Jackson's strong start last season with a healthy roster under Todd Monken (74.3% completion, 10.3 rushes per game) and his status as the defending MVP further support starting him. Patrick Mahomes is noted for his exceptional performance in season openers, never scoring under 19.5 fantasy points and averaging a remarkable 0.72 fantasy points per pass in those games. While the Chiefs indicated a shift in strategy for 2024 to potentially increase his average depth of target, Mahomes remains a locked-in weekly starter. However, the analysis suggests Jackson might be the slightly more valuable QB for this specific Week 1 matchup. Derrick Henry is presented as a must-start. He has cleared 16 PPR points in seven of his last nine games as an underdog. The Ravens are expected to use a smash-mouth approach featuring Henry early to free up Jackson later. The Chiefs allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to RBs last season, and the game script is unlikely to force Baltimore away from using Henry. He is recommended as an every-week play. Isiah Pacheco is identified as having a clear path to being the most valuable RB in this game. His value increased late in drafts as recognition grew that he is more than just a beneficiary of defenses focusing on Mahomes. Last season, Pacheco recorded at least four red-zone touches or four targets in 11 of 14 games, solidifying his role as a legitimate three-down back and a fantasy RB1 across formats.
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ISL Football Preview: Title should run through MacCormack, BB&N
BB&N returns significant talent after winning the John Papas Bowl, led by running back Bo MacCormack who rushed for 430 yards and eight touchdowns in the championship. Key offensive returnees include quarterback Damon Taylor, receivers Vince Snoonian and Ethan Ortega, and offensive linemen Nate Bodden, Tim Church, Jake McGrath, and Liam Cunningham. Defensively, the Knights feature a strong secondary with AJ Azuakolam, Ellis Barnes, Alex Levitt, and Owen DeSalvo, along with linemen Leo Albee, Will Volk, and Xzavier Chafin, plus linebackers Sam Kelley and Carter Shaw. Lawrence Academy's strength centers on its experienced offensive line featuring Derek Schlupf, Garrett Lanagan, and Brady Gelineau. The running attack will rely on Jordan Johnson and Darnell Cicero-Bronson, while Thomas Kuefler (WR), Jayden Campbell (QB), and Cayden Blanchette (OL/DL) are expected to contribute significantly. Tabor Academy tied a school record with seven ISL wins last season and returns All-Scholastic running back Hugo Djeumeni (2,026 yards) alongside linemen Jacob Burns, Will Smith, Botond Varga, and Amahn Williams. The entire perimeter offense returns, including tight end Liam Hubacz, receivers Kaiden Drinkwater, Dameer Phifer, and Trey Grant, plus quarterback Peter Bourque (Catholic Memorial transfer). Defensively, Folu Shobowale anchors the line, while linebackers Derek Moreau, Davante Goodine Rodriguez, and Garrett Salit return alongside secondary standouts Luke Demaso and Trey Rezendes. St. Sebastian’s boasts experience with quarterback Ty Ciongoli, running backs Justin Bourque and George Kelly (third year together), and receivers Kaelan Chudzinski, Ace Ciongoli, Tedy Frisoli, and Crosby Thurmond. The offensive line includes Jake Mulrey, Lucas Candiotto, Matthias Ogrinc, and Marky Walbridge. On defense, Bourque (tackle), Frisoli (DB), and linebackers Dominic Scioli and Kelly return. Belmont Hill, after winning the ISL-7 and competing in the Danny Smith Bowl, returns elite talent including Duke-bound defensive ends Tommy Rupley and Sampson Onuoha. Linebackers Dylan Doherty and Myles Beckett are back, while quarterback Reis Little leads an offense featuring receivers Luis Kuehberger and Jordan Summers, offensive linemen Harrison DeWitt, Ford Webb, and Nick Fiumara, and all-ISL running back Marcus Griffin.
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San Francisco 49ers make decision on $120m star receiver Brandon Aiyuk ahead of NFL Draft
The San Francisco 49ers will owe wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk a $22.85 million roster bonus if he remains on the team by Tuesday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that barring unforeseen developments, Aiyuk will not be traded before the deadline, indicating the team plans to retain him. This decision comes despite the 49ers trading Aiyuk's teammate Deebo Samuel earlier in the offseason and nearing the 2025 salary cap of $279.2 million. Speculation about a potential Aiyuk trade had increased due to the deep wide receiver class in the upcoming NFL Draft, where San Francisco holds the 11th overall pick. With Aiyuk staying, 24-year-old receiver Ricky Pearsall is expected to fill Samuel's role. Pearsall caught 31 passes over 11 games last season after recovering from an August gunshot wound in San Francisco. Aiyuk, a 2023 second-team All-Pro who helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl that year, staged a walkout the following offseason before signing a four-year, $120 million extension in late August 2024. His 2024 season ended prematurely with a knee injury on October 20 after recording 25 catches for 374 yards over seven games. The team's general manager provided a positive update on Aiyuk's rehabilitation last month.
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Wetzel: Please don't expand NCAA basketball tournaments
Florida overcame a deficit to defeat Houston in a game decided by Houston's inability to get a shot off in the final seconds. The strongest argument against expanding the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments beyond 68 teams is the lack of demand. There is no significant fan movement, no high ratings for the current First Four play-in games suggesting consumer interest, no evidence of teams being legitimately excluded from bids (as they had ample regular-season games to qualify), and no clear competitive reason for expansion. Outside of a few coaches and athletic directors who stand to gain financially from their teams reaching the tournament, almost no one is advocating for expansion. Despite this lack of support, expansion to 76 teams remains under consideration with a decision expected soon. The author, echoing many fans, strongly urges against it, arguing that 68 teams is already four too many. The current setup necessitates awkward play-in games on Tuesday and Wednesday in Dayton before the main event starts Thursday. The author questions the rationale for expansion, asking why risk damaging "sporting perfection" merely to include more mediocre teams and generate slightly more television revenue, using the adage "Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered." The NCAA tournament possesses a unique cultural phenomenon: it owns the first Thursday and Friday of the event as pseudo-national holidays, marked by widespread viewing (even during work/school), immense excitement, and bracket participation that draws in casual fans. This intense engagement defines March Madness and has cemented the tournament as an iconic American event, even as overall interest in college basketball has declined. This special status should be protected at all costs. Previous expansions from the ideal 64 teams to 65 in 2001 and then 68 in 2011 are viewed as the "original sins," primarily driven by conference realignment (the WAC split creating the Mountain West) and forcing the tournament to start before Thursday. Fortunately, the Tuesday/Wednesday play-in games, particularly those featuring 16 seeds, have been largely ignored, preserving Thursday's magic. However, expanding by eight more teams would result in six games each on Tuesday and Wednesday, likely stretching throughout the day. This poses a perilous risk of confusing fans, diluting the event's impact throughout the week, and damaging overall fan interest.
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2024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 8
The NFL's November 5 trade deadline is approaching, with significant activity already underway, including recent trades of wide receivers Davante Adams and Amari Cooper, running back Cam Akers, and the Kansas City Chiefs' agreement to acquire wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans. More trades are anticipated as teams assess their realistic playoff chances for 2024, with struggling teams like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns potentially becoming sellers. Teams focused on the future may trade expensive contracts or impending free agents, with buyer demand shaping the market. An updated trade board ranks players based on upside, production, positional value, contract status, and trade buzz. The board process starts by examining 15 players involved in trade speculation or deemed realistic candidates due to contract, roster, or team record, then ranks the top 10 based on talent, positional value, and availability. This week's board sees significant changes following the trades of Adams, Cooper, and Hopkins, and the removal of New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who ended his holdout. Five new players were added: Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin, New Orleans Saints edge-rusher Chase Young, New England Patriots pass-rusher Josh Uche, and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, all playing for non-contenders at valuable positions. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was also added, with reports indicating the Rams are open to trading him and paying some salary. Players removed include Houston Texans receiver Robert Woods, Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks, and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant, whose value has slipped. New York Jets receiver Mike Williams was also removed, as trade talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers were tabled until after their Sunday game. Week 7 honorable mentions were noted without specific names. The Cleveland Browns, having already traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, are expected to focus fully on building for the future after quarterback Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury effectively ended their 2024 campaign.
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49ers Sign 3 Veterans, Including Former Eagles’ 1st-Round Pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signings of three veteran players: offensive tackles Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere, and cornerback Dallis Flowers. In corresponding roster moves, the team waived defensive lineman Drake Jackson, cornerback Tre Tomlinson, and offensive lineman Jalen McKenzie. Additionally, the 49ers announced the signings of several 2025 draft picks: linebacker Nick Martin, wide receivers Junior Bergen and Jordan Watkins, cornerback Upton Stout, safety Marques Sigle, running back Jordan James, and offensive lineman Connor Colby. They also signed undrafted free agents: running back Corey Kiner, offensive lineman Drew Moss, defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez, wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, and cornerback Jakob Robinson. Focusing on the veteran additions, Andre Dillard, a former first-round pick (22nd overall by Philadelphia in 2019), brings significant experience. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle showcased athleticism at his NFL Combine (4.96-second 40-yard dash, 9-foot-10 broad jump). His Eagles tenure (2019-2022) was marred by injuries, including a torn biceps (2020) and broken forearm (2022), limiting him to 43 games (9 starts). After signing with Tennessee in 2023 ($29 million), he started 10 games at left tackle but was released in 2024. He played 10 reserve games for Green Bay last season. Overall, Dillard has played 69 NFL games with 19 starts. Nicholas Petit-Frere, a 2022 third-round pick by Tennessee, is a 6-foot-5, 25-year-old offensive tackle. He has played in 34 NFL games, starting 28. Known for his athleticism and adaptability, he is expected to compete for a backup role, primarily at right tackle where he has the most experience, though he has also played on the left side.
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